The hardest and the best
We celebrated her first birthday together. Our family, her family. People who would’ve never crossed paths and remained total strangers had it not been for divine intervention from God. People, who now, have come together to create a new family. One stitched together not by blood, but by love.
As we gathered around, singing happy birthday and watching her enjoy fistfuls of cake, I thought about how grateful I was that we were there.
Together.
How, eleven months ago, I had no clue that would even be a possibility.
And how, had we said no, we would have missed out on so, so much.
A life surrendered to Christ takes courage.
A trait that I constantly lack. And so I sit at the keyboard and I preach to myself. Reminders that God is faithful. That He never leaves nor forsakes us. That there is blessing in obedience. And that there are eternal rewards to be found on the other side.
And, maybe, you can relate to that too, dear friend. Maybe you’re lacking in courage as well. God may not be asking of you what He’s asked of me, but whatever it is, you’re just not sure.
You’re not ready to tell your story because your fear perception and judgement.
You’re holding out that yes because the end result is too hazy and unclear.
The odds appear to be stacked against you, and there is no guarantee of how a successful outcome. On top of that, your heart can’t bear to consider the idea or more rejection or failure.
Listen, I don’t know where you need courage. The very assignment God has placed before you may feel like the most difficult – scratch that, most impossible – thing you’ve ever done.
But can I just encourage you to consider that it might also be the best thing you’ve ever experienced.
It may be the very thing that God uses to meet that deep longing in your heart. To bless you in ways you never thought to expect. To make your life, your days, richer and more purposeful. It may be the thing He uses to refine you, shaping you more into the image of Christ. Or the circumstance that transforms you and your entire family for the better. The thing that strengths your faith, emboldens your testimony, and deepens your love for Him.
It takes courage, I know. But God promises that in your weakness, in your insufficiency, and in your inadequacies, He will be your strength.
Your courage supplier.
“So do not fear, for HE is with you; do not be dismayed, for HE is your God. HE will strengthen you and help you; HE will uphold you with his righteous right hand… HE will not let your foot slip – HE who watches over you will not slumber… HE will watch over your life – over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Isaiah 41:10 & Psalm 121)
